Stories of Contentment and Other Fables

Using animal imagery to speak about lived experience and our own animal nature, Amanda Burk‘s large-scale drawings in Stories of Contentment and Other Fables focus on our aggressive impulses, particularly feelings of restlessness and anger brought about by a deep yearning for change. Burk is interested in the struggle between the destructive potential of aggression and its connection to a personal sense of agency.

Unlike the anthropomorphism of animals commonly found in literature, illustration, and storytelling, Burk’s animals do not role-play, nor do they exist as straightforward, naturalist depictions, rather they function as a metaphor embodying feelings of discontentment and viciousness. Stories of Contentment and Other Fables presents and uneasy meditation on aggression and draws our from the shadows what we know in our hearts exists.

Drawing is central to Amanda Burk’s art practice and research. Originally from Southern Ontario, Burk is now based in North Bay, ON. She received her MFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and her Honours BA Fine Arts Specialization from the University of Waterloo. Her work has been exhibited both nationally and itnernationally.